Government assessing long-term solution for Essequibo black outs

Minster of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post Cabinet briefing today at the Ministry of Presidency, revealed that the government is assessing long-term solutions for blackout in Essequibo.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon.

Harmon explained that the major problem with the Essequibo Coast is that the generation system there was not converted from 50 hertz to 60 hertz. He said that the majority of the equipment available is for 60 hertz equipment and this means there must be a conversion to alleviate the problem.

“The conversion is expensive. That’s why the previous administration ran away from it but we’re going to confront it. In the first instance, we’re looking for a 50 hertz equipment and the search is not limited to the region.” Harmon said. He assured that his administration will find a solution for the black out in the Essequibo.

According to Harmon, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had an extensive discussion for the use of renewable energy including, solar, hydro power and wind among others and will present a report.

Harmon reported that the recent blackouts experienced in Demerara, Essequibo and Bartica were caused by problems with the Guyana Power and Light Inc. maintenance schedule and its transmission and distribution networks.

According to Harmon, the Minister of Public Infrastructure has provided Cabinet with timelines for the rectification of the problems and noted that new generation units have been procured for Bartica and Essequibo.

“Cabinet had advised Minister Patterson to regularly inform the affected residents of the problems and time frame for addressing them, to vigorously achieve the plan for power generation from renewable sources in the near future and, to ensure the plans that were put in place for the immediate relief for residents, be pursued aggressively,” Harmon explained.

Minister Patterson has assured that the issue will be addressed in a timely manner and persons across Guyana will benefit from improved electricity distribution, Harmon said.

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